IV (intravenous) therapy is one of the most common medical procedures in hospitals and clinics throughout Florida. While generally safe, IV lines can cause serious injury when improperly placed or monitored—a condition known as IV infiltration or extravasation. When this occurs due to negligence by medical professionals, the victim may have a valid claim for medical malpractice under Florida law.
What Is IV Infiltration and Extravasation?
IV infiltration occurs when IV fluids—such as medications, contrast agents, or saline—leak into the surrounding tissue instead of the vein. When the substance being infused is toxic or irritating, this becomes a case of extravasation. Both conditions can result in:
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Tissue damage
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Compartment syndrome
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Nerve injury
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Infection
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Permanent disfigurement
How Does IV Infiltration Happen?
Infiltration injuries are often preventable. They typically result from:
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Improper IV placement or insertion technique
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Failure to secure or stabilize the catheter
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Inadequate monitoring by nursing staff
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Ignoring patient complaints of pain, swelling, or burning
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Continuing infusion despite signs of infiltration
Hospitals and nurses are required to regularly inspect IV sites, especially in high-risk patients such as the elderly, children, or those with communication impairments.
When Is IV Infiltration Considered Medical Malpractice in Florida?
Under Florida law, to bring a successful medical malpractice claim, you must show that:
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A healthcare provider owed you a duty of care;
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That provider breached the standard of care by failing to act as a reasonably prudent healthcare provider would under similar circumstances;
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The breach caused injury, and;
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You suffered damages as a result.
If a nurse or physician failed to monitor your IV site properly or ignored signs of infiltration, and you suffered significant harm, this may constitute a breach of the standard of care.
Common IV Infiltration Injuries in Florida Cases
Victims of IV infiltration may experience:
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Skin necrosis or ulceration
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Permanent scarring
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Loss of limb function
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Surgical intervention or skin grafting
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Chronic pain or disability
Such injuries are especially serious when they involve chemotherapeutic agents, vasopressors, or contrast media used in radiological imaging.
What Should You Do If You Suspect IV Infiltration Malpractice?
If you believe you were injured due to an improperly placed or monitored IV, take the following steps:
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Document the injury – Take photographs and request copies of your medical records.
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Seek a second opinion – Get evaluated by another medical provider, especially a specialist.
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Consult a Florida medical malpractice attorney – These cases require expert review and must follow strict pre-suit procedures under Chapter 766, Florida Statutes.
Florida’s Pre-Suit Requirements for Medical Malpractice Cases
Before filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in Florida, you must comply with pre-suit screening under Fla. Stat. § 766.106, including:
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Obtaining a verified medical expert opinion that confirms a breach of the standard of care;
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Serving a notice of intent to initiate litigation on all prospective defendants;
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Allowing a 90-day investigation period before filing the lawsuit.
Failing to follow these requirements can result in your case being dismissed.
Speak to a Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyer About Your Case
IV infiltration injuries can be painful, disfiguring, and avoidable. If you or a loved one suffered harm from a preventable IV infiltration in a Florida hospital, emergency room, or outpatient center, you may be entitled to compensation. A qualified Florida medical malpractice attorney can evaluate your records, consult with experts, and guide you through the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation to determine whether you have a valid IV infiltration malpractice claim under Florida law.
Have you or someone you know been injured as a result of an IV infiltration or extravasation? Contact Florida Hospital and Medical Malpractice Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email Miami Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo directly at jp@yourattorneys.com or by text at (305) 929-8935.
